Friday, August 31, 2012

Defeating the Devil's Strategies



John 21:15-19 (NIV)
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
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Commentary by In Touch Ministries:

All of us make tracks through the valley of failure. Then the key question is, What we will do next? Sadly, many believers who stumble give up a vibrant kingdom-serving life for a defeated existence. But failure can also be a chance for a new beginning of living in Christ's strength.

In pride, Peter thought his faith was the strongest of all the disciples' and swore that even if the others left Jesus, he never would (Mark 14:29). Yet when the time of testing came, he denied even knowing Christ--and did so three times (Matt. 26:69-75). Satan hoped the disciple would be so wounded by his own disloyalty that his faith would be undermined by shame, condemnation, and despair.

Likewise, when the Enemy sifts believers today, his goal is for us to become shelved and ineffective for God's kingdom. That's why he goes after our strengths, especially the areas in which we proudly consider ourselves invincible. But if we're willing, the Lord can use our failures to do spiritual housecleaning, as He did in Peter's life. After the resurrection, Jesus met with the disciple personally and restored him, preparing him to become a great leader in the early church. He made it clear that Peter's potential to serve was defined, not by failure, but by his unwavering love for Christ.

Peter laid down his pride, received the healing Jesus offered, and put on courage with the Holy Spirit's help. He then risked his life fearlessly to further the gospel, and many came to Christ through his example. Failure was the catalyst that grew in him a stronger, more authentic faith.
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Commentary by author

We all have stories of failure.  What happens to me when I fail?  All too often, I lose hope and want to give up.  But, when I don't, or when something happens to force me to contemplate this grim response, I realize that persistence and perseverance lead me to much greater things.

Do you know some of my story?  My life is full of failures.  As a microcosm of my failed experiences, I offer to you, this Summer 2012.  I put all things on hold to offer my children a rich, nurturing, loving and educational summer.  I tell my employer that I am only able to work one morning a week, I shut down my craft room, and prepare our summer days to physical activities, learning, field trips and relationships. 

What happens? I'm thrown off by emotions from death, broken relationships and health issues.  I get drawn in to help at work when they are struggling.

Then I read, “Feed my lambs.” Well, at least two of them are being fed.  And, when I work more, I give more to the church, which goes to feeding more people. I guess I'm not totally off the mark here.
Next instruction: “Take care of my sheep.” This refers to the Lord's flock, the church today.  (fail)
Then he said to him, “Follow me!” (epic fail)

I have managed to focus on my circumstances!  Jesus did not.  Following him means looking at others and trying to help, heal, encourage, strengthen and have relationship with others.

When Peter realized his failure, he made a turn around.  When Martha complained of Mary not helping her with the physical task of serving, God rebuked Martha.  41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

What did Mary do?  She spent time with God.

I tell myself again --- fill yourself with God -- why does such a simple task become so difficult to obey?  Selfishly, I still want to be glorified by my tasks rather than glorifying him.

Where are you today?  Are you spending time sitting with Jesus?  Are you putting on the full armor by staying in His word? Are you trying to follow Him and die to self?